Beauty Myths Debunked Part 2

A couple of weeks ago I posted on beauty myths that we’ve been led to believe by family members and sales associates. Some may have disappointed you, while others may have been a happy surprise. Well, I promised I would bring you guys more beauty myths I found on the web, and here they are. Enjoy!

Preparation H can reduce eye puffiness.

Everyone knows what this stuff is right? Its a cream/gel used for hemmoroid relief. Yay, now lets slap it on our face! Preparation H was a product widely used in years ago to help with under eye puffiness and quick fixes for jiggly thighs before heading on the stage or runway. It was thought that in earlier formulas, live yeast cells would actively reduce puffiness. What the newer formulas do is something else that can be easily explained. It works to constrict the blood vessels where applied reducing puffiness with the ingredient, phenylephrine. No clinical studies have been shown to prove that this works, only the reports of people who have tried.

Plucking one gray hair will result in more growing in its place

There are no studies proving this one to be true and I’ve even heard it myself. How would this even be possible? No, plucking one would not result in 10 more growing back, if that were the case wouldnt balding men start plucking whats left of their hair to restore it all back?

Not everyone can wear red lipstick

Wrong, Everyone can, it just may take some hunting. Maybe all of us can’t wear the red lipstick we saw our favorite movie star wearing in a movie, but knowing how to pick a red lipstick with the correct undertones will help. Still worried how you’re going to pull this off? No worries, the Pink Sith did a whole week on red lipsticks, from the affordable– to the luxury brands. She even reviewed a set from Ultraflesh that helps us red-lipstick-dummies figure it out, with versions ranging from cool, neutral, and warm, as well as sheer to matte. She couldn’t have made it easier! If you are seriously scared but want to try a red, go for a sheer lip tint like one from Clarks Botanicals. It gives just as hint of glossy color!

You should never pluck hairs from the tops of your eyebrows.

This rule holds true for people that don’t know how to shape their brows. Please, if you have no idea how to shape your brows, put the tweezers down, and leave it to a professional. Plucking hairs from the tops of your brows is fine as long as you are cleaning up the basic shape. Even trimming the brow hairs so that they don’t stray is fine, but I must stress- you must be comfortable doing this before you try. It can give the final touch to a clean brow shape.

It’s better to pop a pimple and let the pus out that leave it

Seriously, I’ve talked about this so many times. You’ve got to keep your hands off your face. Popping a zit is the worst thing you can do. You may think that releasing the pus from that gigantic monster on your face is helping , but it most cases it isn’t. You are pushing the infection deeper into the surrounding skin causing more inflammation and infection, making you at risk for breakouts nearby. Not to mention scaring later on. Hands OFF!

The pricier the product, the better it must be

You would think that if you spend more you get more for your money, right? Not always. While some drugstore brands may have a lower price, they may be produced by a larger company that can afford to do the research on their products–much like other high-end brands. High-end brands may also be spending money on fancier packaging rather than ingredients or testing. You can have equal luck finding high quality ingredients like retinoids and vitamins in both high-end and drugstore brands, it’s just a matter of doing your research.

Cell phones can make you break out

Weird, but true. Think about it. You have your face pressed up against a plastic or glass screen how many times a day? The sweat, dirt, and makeup can transfer from your face to your phone anytime they meet, so make sure to wipe down your phone often to kill the chance of breeding even more germs.

Pimples crop up overnight

It does seem like this is true, but it’s actually false. Pimples take time to develop on the face and don’t “just happen” out of nowhere. Sebum migrates from the skin surface to follicles where they can become trapped with oil, dirt or makeup causing infection and inflammation of the skin. Once that pore becomes clogged you get visit from the pimple fairy and that can take anywhere up to 7 days to ensue. Products like hairspray can cause an immediate blockage of the pore causing some breakouts, as well as pre-period hormones. Yay for womanhood!

Botox can prevent wrinkles

Botox actually can prevent wrinkes. It actually corrects wrinkles present and prevents them. Botox is an injectable toxin that temporarily paralyses facial muscles. By paralyzing the muscles it prevents the wrinkles from forming or deepening. The result is a smoother softer appearance. It sounds scary, but if you do your homework and go to someone who knows what they are doing it

can be an amazing thing. Hey, I’ve tried it, and I’m pretty sure I’ll do it again. I just need to get a sign that says will work for botox to keep it up.

As long as I exercise, I don’t have to diet

I have heard this one among friends all to often. I can eat what I want as long as I run. Yeah. Right. That may have been fine when we were kids and had the metabolism that could burn through a bag of refined sugar–but as we get older and more sedentary you will surely regret mumbling these words to yourself. You must watch what you eat AND exercise to maintain weight, it’s an absolutely must. I won’t say there is only one way to do it, but you do need to find a method to watching your intake and balancing it with energy burning exercise. You will get heavier, and you will be upset with your efforts.

I can get by with flossing right before going to the dentist

Flossing is something so easily missed that its frightening. Flossing is something sooooo easy you can do for your overall health. If you think flossing right before you go to the dentist is OK, you’re wrong. Think about it, your dentist or hygienist clean and look at teeth ALL the time. That gunk or calculus that has hardened on your teeth below the gum line is crying to be scraped off. Trust me, they know if you take care of your teeth–they know. I’m not sure how many of you know, but your gum health is related to your overall health. Diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis aren’t just problems for your teeth and gums, it can leave you at higher risk for heart disease,complications with diabetes, and other inflammatory disease of the body. Just try and floss

more often, please!

Heavy foundation covers bad skin

We’ve all seen someone do this before, right? And have you ever thought that person did it well enough to hid their pimples or other problems? No! It never works so learning the correct application is key. Wearing a foundation or makeup that is too heavy for your skin will only accentuate problems and make you look older. Makeup can settle into fine lines around eyes making us 10 years older than we want. Dark eye shadows can make eyes seem harsh if applied too much. My suggestion? Find a good concealer for under eyes or blemishes that match your skin well. Apply full coverage concealer where needed with a brush and blend out. Then apply your facial tint or light coverage makeup on top. A light dewy tint can brighten up a complexion, and minimize the appearance of any blemishes or shadows. If shine is an issue, lightly blot with blotting paper or a quick swipe with a translucent power. Minimal is key. Don’t be scary.

Milk can soften skin

I know, how many of us have a milk bath, really? I know, but I thought this was awesome idea and was hoping a reader has given this a try. Milk can actually soften skin and was used for this centuries before. Milk contains lactic acid which can smooth skin by helping aid in exfoliation. Without the roughness of a scrub or the anticipation of a chemical peel, milk is safe and is affordable to try.

Well readers, what do you think? Did you know about any of these before? Are there any that you were lead to believe and found out the hard way? Share in the comments below. Do you want an edition 3, you’ll have to let me know!

XOXO

Claudia